Monday, August 28, 2006

“Scientology Effective Solutions: Saving Lives from Drugs” brochure, provides you with important information about what churches of Scientology and their members are doing about the drug problem. This will also introduce you to the most effective solution to drug addiction and dependency – the drug rehabilitation methods developed by humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

HELPING THE YOUTH OF NEW SOUTH WALES AVOID THE PAIN OF HEROIN ADDICTION

If you’ve seen a group of kids in parks, at fairs or on the streets of New South Wales passing out booklets and getting kids to sign an anti-drug pledge, you have probably met the Sydney Drug-Free Ambassadors. Motivated by stories such as the Sunday’s headlines about the seizing of $3.5 million-worth of heroin by New South Wales police, the Drug-Free Ambassadors are determined to prevent this and other drugs from harming the youth of the region.

Just one example of their activities was their participation on Saturday at the Bexley Fair in NSW, Australia. By talking to their peers about the dangers of heroin and other drugs the Ambassadors got 100 youth to sign the Drug-Free Ambassadors pledge.

The Drug-Free Ambassadors, sponsored by the Scientology churches of Sydney Australia, give factual information about drugs to youth and answer their questions. This enables them to make positive choices about living drug-free lives before they start to experiment with drugs. And because the Ambassadors are their own age, kids are willing to talk to them, listen to what they have to say and read their literature.

The Drug-Free Ambassadors attack the problem with colorful and informative booklets like the TRUTH ABOUT HEROIN — Flirting with the Forbidden Brings the Kiss of Death.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

It has become an unfortunate cliché to refer to efforts to combat the problem as the "war on druqs."

"Unfortunate" because many well-intentioned people launch into battle without effective weapons.

Trying to stem the tide of drugs by seizing boats and planes is an impossible and thankless task. What is needed is a solution to the demand.

Scientology churches sponsor drug prevention groups and activities as part of its community programs. To date, volunteer Scientologists have reached millions and millions of people with the truth about drugs. You can find out more about the Church’s programs by reading further in this web log.

Separately, Narconon is a drug-free drug rehabilitation program based on the discoveries of L. Ron Hubbard. It not only solves the physical craving for drugs... it handles the underlying cause of why the person turned to them in the first place.

It is why, in a field where the typical addict goes from one unsuccessful rehab to the next, Narconon stands apart.

Narconon Arrowhead, in Oklahoma, is the international headquarters that emanates a massive worldwide drug education and rehabilitation program. Arrowhead is the largest private residential rehab facility on Earth, but it also serves as a center to train those opening new programs -- from 14 nations and 19 U-S states just in 2005.

But while we work to rehabilitate those already addicted, Narconon also delivers drug education lectures to prevent those most likely to be misdirected to a life on drugs. It cuts the demand before kids fall into bad habits.

Friday, August 25, 2006

If you want to do something effective about drugs, there are many things you can do to help.

Avail yourself of the information we have provided in our “Truth About Drugs” publications.

We have also made available on request a “Truth About Drugs” Action Pack. This pack contains copies of all of our drug education booklets as well as an Activities Manual with instructions on everything from staring your own group to fully scripted drug education lecturers.

If you want to do something effective about drugs, there are many things you can do to help.

Avail yourself of the information we have provided in our “Truth About Drugs” publications.

We have also made available on request a “Truth About Drugs” Action Pack. This pack contains copies of all of our drug education booklets as well as an Activities Manual with instructions on everything from staring your own group to fully scripted drug education lecturers.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Drugs destroy or ruin millions of lives every year. Thus society owes a debt of gratitude to those who dedicate themselves to salvaging others from the harmful effects of drug abuse. Sadly, such educational groups and beneficial organizations are sometimes attacked by individual officials or vested interest groups who in some way benefit from keeping our society on drugs. It has been proven again and again that those who try to attack or hinder people who are salvaging others from the scourge of drugs have an agenda to promote drugs or allow them to proliferate.

Avoiding drugs is a question of attitude. A child who truly understands the dangers of drugs will know why he should say "no" to illegal substances.

Bombarded with music, television programs, ads and Internet sites which constantly promote drug use, children sometimes do not understand the dangers of such substances. They may have the idea that it is safe to casually experiment with drugs.

"Why not?" is too often the prevailing attitude.

Yet former addicts say one should never become involved with drugs, even to just try them. One seldom knows he is succumbing to the grip of drugs, as awareness of his own condition gradually diminishes with continued drug use. Most marijuana smokers think they can quit. Few, however, do.

A person may try a drug two, five, or even ten times before finding himself suddenly addicted. Sometimes, just a single instance of drug use can lead a child straight into the hell of addiction.

There is an effective weapon to keep your children from falling into the trap of drugs: KNOWLEDGE. Moralizing lectures serve no purpose. The present generation must learn to refuse drugs by knowing why they are dangerous. And it is our job as parents or friends to help them learn the truth.

These are difficult times. But think about the future: will you be sharing it with people who are drug addicts, sick and without hope? Or with those who are healthy, productive and happy?

It is possible to live free of drugs. With this booklet, we want to contribute to a better, brighter and more promising future. The war on drugs will be won only if we work with our children to achieve victory.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Drug Use Statistics ImprovingFor those who have been fighting the war against drugs, here are some statistics that show we are making a change.

According to the Office of National Drug Policy in a September 2005 report, between 2002 and 2004 there has been a 9% decrease in illicit drug use in American youth aged 12-17. The findings come from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which found that among youth aged 12 to 17, the rate of illicit drug use declined between 2002 and 2004: 11.6 percent in 2002, 11.2 percent in 2003, and 10.6 percent in 2004. This represents 250,000 fewer Americans in that age group using illicit drugs.

Marijuana use also declined by 7% among young adults. Heroin use dropped by 16% - LSD use declined by 41%, Ecstasy use dropped by 40%, use of Cocaine among 12 to 17 yr olds fell 8%.

Additionally, according to a 2005 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the rate of illicit drug use in the United States among older teens has continued to decline. The study’s principal investigator stated “what is significant is that the use of these substances has declined significantly since the recent peak levels reached in the mid-1990s.” The use of any illicit drug in the 12 months prior to the survey, released in December 2005, is down by more than a third among 8th graders since 1996. There are also significant declines among 12th and 10th graders.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

Sixty percent of teenagers in drug treatment programs are there because of marijuana. According to a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, kids who frequently use marijuana are almost four times more likely to act violently or damage property.

Inhalants affect the brain. They are substances or fumes inhaled through the nose or mouth and can cause irreversible physical and mental damage. They starve the body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly. People who use inhalants can lose their sense of smell, suffer nausea and nosebleeds and may develop liver, lung and kidney problems. Chronic use can lead to reduced muscle mass, tone and strength. Inhalants can make people unable to walk, talk and think normally. Much of the damage is caused to the brain tissue when the toxic fumes are sniffed straight into the sinus.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

I took this from an article I found written by a Japanese student. An interesting viewpoint

"A Problem for U.S. Teens

"In the U.S., there are many problems in high schools, for example, drinking or drugs, but the most serious problem is alcohol. According to a survey made by U.S.A.TODAY, 58% of high school students drink beer at least once a week and 47% drink liquor at least once a week. However, students are not only drinking alcohol but also using marijuana. The number of students who always use marijuana is also increasing. 25% of high schoolers use drugs at least once a week. Why do they use marijuana? They have social or family problems, I think. What do you think about high schoolers drinking? I don't think that high school drinking is a big problem in Japan.

"Do Japanese Students Have a Drinking Problem?I tried to interview some students in my college. I asked them if there is a drinking problem among Japanese high school students and, if so, why they thought there is a drinking problem in Japan. Most of them said drinking is not a big problem, but if there is a problem, Japanese high schools punish students who are drinking."

Friday, August 11, 2006

The Narconon site has some great tips for parents whose kids are on drugs.

It's always a tragedy when a kid gets into trouble like this. But it's not true that it has to stay that way. And if you have a kid like this they really do NOT have to be on drugs the rest of their lives. I know so many people who've come through Narconon and really kicked the habit for good.